High-efficiency and high-output pulse energy performance of a diode-pumpedEr : Yb : glass 1.54-mu m laser

A pulsed diode-pumped Er:Yb:glass laser at lambda = 1.54 mu m combining hig h optical efficiency, high pulse energy, high efficiency electro-optic Q-sw itching, small size, and simple optical setup is reported. The laser operat es in a transverse diode-pumped configuration using three conductively-cool ed diode-laser arrays directly optically coupled to the laser-rod. In free- running operation, optical output energies up to 360 mJ, optical slope effi ciencies of 20.5%-23%, and absolute efficiencies of 13.6% were measured wit h respect to the incident pump power on the laser crystal. In Q-switched op eration with an electro-optic LiNbO3 Pockels cell, the optical slope effici ency reached 3.7%.